Editorial standards

Testing

Where it is reasonable to do so, fix steps are tested on a current Windows build before the article goes live. Articles that have been tested carry a "Last tested on Windows 11 [build]" badge near the top. Articles without a badge have been reviewed editorially but not lab-tested — usually because the fix involves account-state or tenant-state that can't be safely reproduced.

When Microsoft ships a build that materially changes a fix path, we re-test the affected articles and update the badge. We do not silently re-date articles to game freshness signals.

Sourcing

We cite Microsoft Learn, the Windows release health dashboard, and primary vendor documentation when relevant. We do not present forum threads, Reddit posts, or other secondary commentary as facts. When community consensus matters, we say so explicitly.

Recommendations

When an article recommends a tool, command, or workflow, the recommendation reflects editorial judgement based on testing and direct knowledge — not affiliate arrangements, sponsorships, or vendor outreach. Vendor names appear factually. We will name a tool we don't recommend and explain why; we will not refuse to name a tool to avoid a publisher conflict.

What we don't do

• No "contact support" CTAs, phone numbers, or remote-repair offers. Anywhere on the site.
• No driver-updater pitches. Microsoft's own tools update drivers.
• No scareware framing. No "your PC may be infected," no countdown timers, no fake urgency.
• No undisclosed affiliate links. If we ever introduce affiliate revenue, it will be disclosed inline at the point of recommendation, not buried in a sidebar.
• No paid placements presented as editorial. Sponsored content, if it ever appears, will be labelled.

"When to stop"

Every fix article ends with a "When to stop" section. We believe a troubleshooting site that won't tell you when to stop is a site that's optimising for time-on-page over outcomes. Some fixes — particularly registry edits, drive recovery, and DISM/SFC under unusual circumstances — risk making things worse. We say so.

Corrections

If you find an error of fact in an article, write to us via the corrections page. We will correct silently for typos and minor clarifications; for substantive errors we will note the correction inline and update the article's last-modified date.

Authorship and bylines

Every article is bylined. Bylines link to a profile page describing the author and their relevant background. Articles written collaboratively carry the editorial byline ("ErrorCodeLab Editorial") with a contributor list where appropriate.

Independence

ErrorCodeLab is independent of Microsoft, Adobe, and every vendor named on the site. We are not a Microsoft Partner, an MVP outlet, or affiliated with any IT services company. We disclose any conflicts of interest inline where relevant.

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This statement is a living document. It will be updated as the site grows; material changes will be dated. The principles above are settled.